How does the legitimate government exploit Washington's classification of the Houthis as a terrorist organization?

Washington’s designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization is a critical moment in the course of the Yemeni crisis, and a rare opportunity for the legitimate government to rearrange its cards and achieve long-awaited political, economic and humanitarian gains. This designation is an international pressure tool that could change the balance of power if used intelligently and decisively. The real challenge facing the legitimate government is not in benefiting from the decision itself, but in how to turn it into a turning point in the course of war and peace in Yemen.

The legitimate government can begin to strengthen its international legitimacy by exploiting this classification to portray the Houthis as a coup group that threatens regional and international security and stability. This position would restore momentum to international support and push towards further diplomatic and political isolation of the Houthis, forcing them to return to the negotiating table on more flexible terms. In this context, the government can benefit from the decision to direct attention towards the humanitarian violations committed by the Houthis and gain the sympathy of the international community and human rights organizations, which would strengthen its position in international forums.

Economically, the designation represents a golden opportunity to dry up the Houthis’ sources of funding, which have relied heavily on customs revenues and taxes imposed on areas they control, as well as external support. The legitimate government can work to tighten controls on international financial transfers and demand that the international community strengthen economic sanctions on the Houthis’ financial networks. This approach will weaken the Houthis economically and limit their ability to finance their ongoing war, which will contribute to accelerating the peace process.

Classifying the Houthis as a terrorist organization may be a double-edged sword. Either the legitimate government will exploit it intelligently to change the political, military, and economic equation in its favor, or it will leave it as another lost opportunity added to the complex record of the Yemeni conflict. Ultimately, hope remains that the government will make good use of this card to achieve the desired peace or a military decision, and end the suffering of a people exhausted by war and regional and international tensions.